Friday, July 24, 2009

No matter what age you are, learning English can be fun and best of all free. The Internet is loaded with web apps, social networks, activities, and interactive lessons designed specifically for EFL students. Here is a list of 20 tools every student can use:

VerbaLearn - VerbaLearn is a free vocabulary builder with tools that can help you study, track progress, and save time. This site is flush with vocabulary tools such as audio files, video flashcards, puzzles, and review.

Italki - This site features a free online social community that's great for EFL students. Italki offers language partners, multimedia chat, open source file sharing, knowledge wikis, and more.

Popling - Popling is a free web app designed for language learners who lack motivation. The app makes flashcards pop up on your computer throughout the day while you are working or surfing the net. The interval for the flashcards can be customized so you can see as many or as few flashcards as you'd like.

ESL Galaxy - The ESL Galaxy offers over 2,368 printable worksheets that can be used in lesson plans or as activities by students. The worksheets cover grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and more.

ESL Podcast - This podcast site features free podcasts for EFL students. Episodes provide conversations and discussions presented at a slower speed for greater understanding and comprehension.

WorldLingo - WorldLingo provides several online translators for translating your home language into English. The site can be used to translate text, documents, websites, and emails.

Cramberry - Cramberry is a free online flashcard site that provides you with the tools needed to create and study flashcards over the web. The site also records your progress to show cards you're having trouble with so that you can study more effectively.

1-Language.com - 1-Language.com provides services and resources to learn English and other languages. This language site features English courses, flash games, grammar quizzes, essay writing, and a reading library.

Using English - Using English offers a large library of tools and resources for English learners, including a grammar glossary of verbs and idioms, forums, articles, and printables.

Radio Lingua Network - For ESL students on the move, Radio Lingua provides free podcasts created by an experienced teacher or a native speaker.

MyLanguageExchange - With over 1 million members, MyLanguageExchange offers plenty of language partners to improve your English skills. Students can also practice online with free lessons, chat rooms, and other resources.

Babbel - Babbel offers a fun, easy way to learn English. The site uses effective learning elements such as pictures, video, sound, and interactive elements for quick success.

FreeTranslation.com - This popular translation site offers free translators for text documents and websites. FreeTranslation.com is a great way for EFL students to understand and translate words.

ESL-Kids.com - This site, designed for younger EFL students, features flashcards, worksheets, and activities. ESL-Kids.com also offers creative songs and games to engage younger students.

Guest post from Karen Schweitzer, the About.com Guide to Business School. Karen also writes about online courses for OnlineCourses.org.

Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an EFL Teacher Trainer, Intellectual Development Specialist, author and speaker. He has written ESP, foreign language learning, English language teaching texts and hundreds of articles used in more than 100 countries. Get your FREE E-book, “If you Want to Teach English Abroad, Here's What You Need to Know" by requesting the title at: lynchlarrym@gmail.com Need a blogger or copywriter to promote your school, institution, service or business or an experienced writer and vibrant SEO content for your website, blog or newsletter? Then E-mail me for further information.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

When a reader wrote to me with that question, here’s what I responded in part:

“Since I'm no spring chicken now either, I can say with some authority that it will depend on where and who you want to teach. Sad but true, many countries, like China, do have age restrictions. You can't get a visa there after age 60. That means neither of us will be going there to teach. Other countries however, are willing to accept teachers over age 50 which seems to be the age where most problems begin to occur. In many other countries, like Colombia, teachers over 40 can have employment difficulties. It may not be “fair”, but that’s often the way it is.

If you're going abroad use a site like www.TEFL.com to present your resume to a large number of schools and institutes abroad. Also you can query schools directly and apply for openings quickly and easily from this site. You're likely to have far more luck if you can meet these five important "conditions", which are:

In addition, you'll likely have much better luck if you're willing to teach in "less popular", "less touristy" places like the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Get certified in an intensive CELTA or TEFL course, get some practical English language teaching experience - as a volunteer at first if need be, at a local school, literacy center, government-sponsored program or language institute, then start job hunting in earnest online, by telephone and through mailings. (The whole process can be completed in three to six months if you keep at it) If you keep trying, keep applying and don't give up, I'm certain you'll get multiple offers of employment abroad, most likely in less than a year from your starting point. You just won't have as many options as some other teachers might.”

Retired in a Foreign Country?

More than a few retirees who either live or frequent a foreign country ask about the option of teaching English as a foreign language. Actually, it’s one way to travel or live for free abroad. Remember, you do have some distinct advantages working in your favor, such as:

• You are a native English speaker (we are in short supply worldwide) • You have an extensive, detailed knowledge of your English-speaking culture • You have experienced holidays, history and been educated in English through first-hand total immersion • You “think” in English so will make far, far fewer mistakes in the language than virtually anyone else around you whose first language is NOT English • You are considered to be an expert in English not matter what your personal background might be

Regardless of your age, anywhere you go abroad, people will seek you out and strike up conversations with you to hear “correct” English and to have their failings in the English language addressed by someone “who knows” English

A great deal of detailed information is contained in my free e-book which you'll find on offer below. E-mail me at lynchlarrym@gmail.com with “free e-book” in the subject box and I’ll send you a copy by return e-mail. I hope that this helps for those of you who are “older and wiser”.

Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an EFL Teacher Trainer, Intellectual Development Specialist, author and speaker. He has written ESP, foreign language learning, English language teaching texts and hundreds of articles used in more than 100 countries. Get your FREE E-book, “If you Want to Teach English Abroad, Here's What You Need to Know" by requesting the title at: lynchlarrym@gmail.com Need a blogger or copywriter to promote your school, institution, service or business or an experienced writer and vibrant SEO content for your website, blog or newsletter? Then E-mail me for further information.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

8D World Launches Wiz World Cup in Partnership With Six Shanghai Government Agencieshttp://www.marketwire.com/press-release/8D-World-1017963.html

Highlighted Links

Wiz World Online 8D World

SHANGHAI, CHINA and WOBURN - 8D World has released Wiz World Online (www.wizworldonline.com), the world's first virtual world dedicated for global English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) learners to improve their spoken English in a highly motivating environment.

Wiz World Online was first released in Chinese to the general public and has attracted a rapidly growing user base while partnering with hundreds of public and private schools in China. In addition, users can go directly to www.wizworldonline.com to join.

In July, 8D World will be working with six Shanghai government agencies and Shanghai Oriental Digital Community to launch the Wiz World Cup oral English competition in anticipation of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo. Taking advantage of the virtual world platform, Wiz World Cup is able to attract an unprecedented number of contestants who only need a home computer and a broadband connection to participate. Such an innovative format has significantly raised the level of interest and participation. "Classroom-based English education is very effective for written English learning. However, because of the traditional one-to-many teaching setting and lack of an immersive language environment, classroom-based teaching offers very little practice time for each individual to speak English. In addition, Asian English learners are typically shy and afraid of making mistakes in front of their peers, which creates additional challenges for them to improve their spoken English," said Alex Wang, CEO of 8D World. "In contrast, Wiz World Online leverages a virtual world design powered by advanced speech technologies and delivers an immersive English speaking environment that is long desired by the English learners."

8D World has received venture capital financing from Spark Capital and Gobi Partners.

"Spoken English is critical for every individual to effectively communicate in the increasingly globalized world," said Alex Finkelstein, general partner of Spark Capital. "Wiz World Online is designed for the global audience and has truly made our world smaller."

"Chinese parents pay enormous amount of attention to their child's education. Due to the lack of an immersive language environment, it's an age old problem for the Chinese to effectively improve their spoken English," said Lawrence Tse, partner of Gobi Partners. "Wiz World Online, for the first time, provides the mass market with such an English speaking language environment with first-person experience." "Research in Second Language Acquisition has shown that when learners are engaged in fun activities, their subconscious learning is far more effective than conscious learning. What is more, they have a better retention rate with enhanced motivation and investment," said Dr. Jun Liu, chairman of the English Department at University of Arizona and former president of TESOL. "Wiz World Online has made a revolutionary move in making learning a fun experience through gaming at a self-directed pace. It caters to learners with different learning styles, balancing the individual's needs with dynamic group cohesion. The program is specially designed for communicative English language learning and conforms to many national and international standards."

About 8D World

8D World is the creator of Wiz World Online, the world's first virtual world dedicated for global English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) learners to improve their spoken English in a highly motivating environment. 8D World's team includes top English educators, award winning speech technology experts and world renowned multiplayer game designers. 8D World's management team has proven track records of successfully starting and growing global multimedia and software companies. 8D World is headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts, USA and has its Asia head office in Shanghai, China. To learn more, visit www.8dworld.com.

About Spark Capital

Spark Capital is a venture capital firm with investments focusing on the conflux of the media, entertainment and technology industries. The partners of Spark Capital carry diverse expertise in media and technology industries with proven track records identifying and actively building market-leading companies in sectors including infrastructure (Qtera, RiverDelta, Aether Systems, Broadbus and BigBand), networks (College Sports Television, TVONE and XCOM) services (Akamai, thePlatform, Admeld) and digital media (Twitter, Boxee, 5min). With a deep network that spans technology and media, investing and operations, Spark Capital provides world-class entrepreneurs and revolutionary companies with the resources to succeed in today's marketplace. Spark Capital has $622 million under management, and is based in Boston, Mass. To learn more, visit www.sparkcapital.com.

About Gobi Partners

Gobi Partners is a China-based venture capital firm focused on early stage IT and digital media investments. Gobi defines digital media as a new form of communication emerging from the convergence in telecommunications, media and technology. Gobi invests in companies that are pushing the frontier, integrating gaps or enabling consolidation within the digital media value chain. The Gobi Fund includes IBM, NTT DOCOMO, Sierra Ventures, McGraw-Hill, Steamboat Ventures (the venture capital arm of The Walt Disney Company), and Nokia Growth Partners as investors. For more information, please visit www.gobivc.com.

Contact:

Tim Inthirakothtim@inkhousepr.com781-916-9090 ext. 805

Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an EFL Teacher Trainer, Intellectual Development Specialist, author and speaker. He has written ESP, foreign language learning, English language teaching texts and hundreds of articles used in more than 100 countries. Get your FREE E-book, “If you Want to Teach English Abroad, Here's What You Need to Know" by requesting the title at: lynchlarrym@gmail.com Need a blogger or copywriter to promote your school, institution, service or business or an experienced writer and vibrant SEO content for your website, blog or newsletter? Then E-mail me for further information.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

With increasing frequency, I receive e-mails very similar to the following one which illustrates a growing trend in English language teaching. You write to schools, institutes and companies looking for an overseas English teaching position and after weeks of e-mails to perhaps dozens of locations, you have not received as much as a single reply. “Why?” you ask. Here’s my response to one reader on that very aspect along with my suggested solutions.

An EFL Teaching Help Request Letter

“My name is *Shelley Kellyand I am a recent graduate from *Oxford House College. The purpose for this email is to obtain advice and information concerning teaching English as a foreign language in Colombia. I am on the waiting list of the British Council, but in the meantime have been emailing universities and institutes for information on how to apply. However, none have got back to me. I am currently waiting to arrange an interview with the International House in Bogota, and was wondering if you could provide any details and advice on how to go about the application process.” Sincerely, S. K.

... International House is an excellent educational institution with offices worldwide. I’ve been to their local offices in Mexico City, Barcelona, Spain and in Bogota, Colombia. They are new to Colombia with an office in Central Bogota. (I passed their new office in the colonial, historic neighborhood of "Candelaria" earlier this month while I was in Bogota.) The main reason that companies, institutes and schools don't answer you is because you're not IN Colombia. This is often true of many schools, institutes and companies in a number of countries. For them, the odds of your never showing up are too great for these places to “waste time” with extensive correspondence and information. Then again, you may arrive in Colombia (or wherever), then quickly decide for whatever reasons, the language, the customs, the culture or living conditions, attitudes of the locals - that you don't want to stay, then just hop the next thing smoking out of the country. Then the school is stuck with a lot of time, trouble and resources invested with no return. It happens so much that schools are leery and won't even answer applicants from out of the country.

For Example:

Some time ago, upon arriving in Cali, Colombia to teach English for a local English language teaching institute, a former classmate of mine, Sarah Zeller, wrote to me complaining of her dislike for the conditions she faced. They had “provided her with housing” which she then described as “being on the noisiest, most crowded and polluted street in the city”. She disliked (polite term) the working conditions, the salary, the local environment, etc. and it was no wonder to me that shortly thereafter, she abruptly left Colombia for another opportunity.

Solutions:

1. Try applying through the school where you were certified. They should have a placement office or someone who handles that.

2. Another idea is to actually GO to the country you are intensely interested in and applying directly to universities, schools, institutes and companies. You'll have instant credibility because you're "on location". They can see you, talk with you directly and do a personal interview on-the-spot. You in turn, can check out their facilities first hand, ask about schedules, salary and cost-of-living, etc.

Also, one of my e-books “If You Want to Teach English Abroad, Here’s What You Need to Know”, should provide you with more "practical" information on teaching English as a foreign language abroad.

I hope this initial information helps you some. Please feel free to let me know if you have any other questions or need more specific information.

Sincerely yours,

Prof. Larry M. Lynch Santiago de Cali University Cali, Colombia

Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an EFL Teacher Trainer, Intellectual Development Specialist, author and speaker. He has written ESP, foreign language learning, English language teaching texts and hundreds of articles used in more than 100 countries. Get your FREE E-book, “If you Want to Teach English Abroad, Here's What You Need to Know" by requesting the title at: lynchlarrym@gmail.com Need a blogger or copywriter to promote your school, institution, service or business or an experienced writer and vibrant SEO content for your website, blog or newsletter? Then E-mail me for further information.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Friday, July 10, 2009

I was listening to the radio while driving throughrural Pennsylvania on Route 22 to Shartlesville.

I was on my way to a friend's farm for a relaxingthree-day weekend with Laura and the kids.

It's strange, isn't it, that we never forget wherewe were when we first heard shocking news. Peoplewill often ask "Where were you when JFK was shot?" Or "Wherewere you when the planes hit?"

Death has a way of slapping us across the face andwaking us up in a way we never forget.

When you hear the name "Michael Jackson," you probablyhave two different thoughts: "Incredible performer"and "Very strange person."

For better or worse, that is the legacy he left.

Personally, I tend to dwell more on the legacy ofmemorable songs, videos, and dance numbers that heleft behind. Those are the things I continue to enjoy.

I really wish I'd had the chance to see him performlive when he was at his peak.

How about you? What kind of legacy are you leaving?

Lately, I've been asking myself that question more andmore.

I was thinking about all the things I've failed to doas a father. But then on Father's Day, my 16-year-oldson gave me a truly priceless gift: a three-page letterexpressing his love and gratitude for me.

Things I thought I'd failed to teach him he'd somehowlearned by observation.

But I still have a big list of unfinished businesspersonally and professionally that I'm starting totend to.

The Jackson story reminds me that the legacy we leaveis a combination of both what we do and how we live ourlives.

Everybody's talking about Jackson, Farrah, Ed McMahonand Billy Mays.

But very few people are thinking seriously about thelegacy they will leave.

And even fewer are writing down goals and takingdeliberate actions to achieve that end.

As a musician, Michael Jackson was surprisinglydeliberate and proactive.

I learned the other day that while he was a member ofthe Jackson 5 he told several close friends that hewanted to break out on his own and become the biggestentertainer of all time.

Some will call that ego. But I prefer to think of itas simply an honest assessment of the gifts he'd beengiven and a compelling vision for his life and what hemight be able to do with those gifts.

So he decided to anger his brothers and leave theJackson 5. He began working with Quincy Jones. And ofcourse the result was "Thriller," the biggest-sellingalbum of all time!

As a singer, dancer, and songwriter, Jackson gave usall an incredible gift worthy of the endless replaysthat have been taking place on television and radio.

But here's my question: "What if he had never decidedto pursue his dream? What if he had never left theJackson 5?"

What if he had listened to his family, friends, andeven all the well-intentioned logical voices that said,"Don't be so risky. Don't be so selfish. Who are youto think you can be phenomenally successful on yourown?"

What kind of legacy would he have left then?

We'd probably barely remember him.

More importantly, what kind of legacy will you leave ifyou don't take action to make your dreams come true?

As we hear about Farrah, Ed McMahon, Billy Mays, andeven those closer to us who have passed away recently,we're reminded that life is short.

Oliver Wendall Holmes said, "Most people go to theirgraves with their music still inside them."

What is the thing you know deep down you should do, butyou've been too busy, lazy or scared to do?

Whatever it is, get started today.

It might be writing a new book, taking a trip, or doingsome kind of community service. It might be mentoringsomeone, launching a new business, or healing a brokenrelationship.

Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an EFL Teacher Trainer, Intellectual Development Specialist, author and speaker. He has written ESP, foreign language learning, English language teaching texts and hundreds of articles used in more than 135 countries. Get your FREE E-book, “If you Want to Teach English Abroad, Here's What You Need to Know" by requesting the title at: lynchlarrym@gmail.com Need a blogger or copywriter to promote your school, institution, service or business or an experienced writer and vibrant SEO content for your website, blog or newsletter? Then E-mail me for further information.

A Top 100 Language Blog

Ezine Articles Expert Author

About Me

Larry M. Lynch has taught EFL, published hundreds of articles as an expert author. His work has appeared in Transitions Abroad, South American Explorer, Escape from America, Mexico News, Bright Hub, Squidoo, EzineArticles.com and Brazil magazine. If you need original, exclusive SEO keyword optimized blog posts, articles and content for your newsletter, blog or website contact me by e-mail at: lynchlarrym@gmail.com